Cutaneous superficial myiasis: Report of a rare nosocomial parasitic disease caused by Sarcophaga spp. (Diptera, Sarcophagidae)

Abstract

Flies of the genus Sarcophaga are known to cause myiasis in necrotic wounds and in anatomical cavities where fluids have collected. We present here the first case of external cutaneous myiasis by Sarcophaga larvae in the absence of skin ulcerations or necrosis. The host in this case was a geriatric patient with limited motor and neurological capacity who lives in a nursing home. Of particular importance is that Sarcophaga is capable of causing myiasis even in the absence of cutaneous infections or significant stasis of fluids or secretions and that the larvae can cause damage in otherwise healthy tissue.